We seek a motivated and independent Scientific Officer to play a key role in facilitating the research of the Systems and Precision Cancer Medicine Team (Team Leader Anguraj Sadanandam). Our lab focuses on inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity at the molecular and metabolic levels and how they contribute to variations in metastatic potential, prognosis and therapeutic responses in patients. To this end, we have classified different tumor types including breast cancer cell lines, and pancreatic and colorectal tumours and cell lines into distinct molecular and/or drug response subtypes (Heiser and Sadanandam et al. PNAS 2012, Collisson and Sadanandam et al. Nature Medicine 2011, Sadanandam et al. Nature Medicine 2013, Sadanandam et al. Cancer Discovery 2015, and Colorectal Cancer Subtyping Consortium based Nature Medicine, 2015). In addition, we have identified subtype-specific cellular origin and molecular mechanisms and suggested possible precise therapies using combined (systems biology) wet-lab and bioinformatics approaches. Currently, our goal is to identify and refine tumor subtype-specific robust biomarkers (genetic, epigenetic, metabolic, pathway, network and/or cell type), develop and validate biomarker assays and screen for targeted therapies and understand their mechanisms of action using pre-clinical (both in vitro and in vivo) studies. This will help us to improve disease management and avoid over- or under-treatment.

Our interdisciplinary laboratory focuses on integrating computational biology skills with wet-lab science by cross-comparing and integrating high-throughput data between patients and animal and cell line models. We are developing cutting-edge computational and statistical tools in our lab to integrate high-throughput multiple omics data with phenotypes.

The successful candidate will help us in developing and using novel bioinformatics and computational approaches to integrate various profile data from 100s of tumor samples. The candidate will have access to high-throughput data generated using cutting-edge technologies including massively parallel sequencing (exome and transcriptome) and, microarrays, mass spectrometry based metabolomics and phosphoproteomics, and nCounter analysis system (Nanostrings Technologies). This also includes high-throughput cell lines based drug response data. Our lab has access to the ICR’s high performance computing facility for data processing.

Applicants should possess a BSc (or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, physics, computer science, life sciences or other related fields with extensive experience in bioinformatics and next generation omics data analysis. Experience in bioinformatics is essential as well as strong analytical skills. Excellent organisational and communication skills are also required. Knowledge in molecular biology and related life sciences field is desirable but not essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for an independent and motivated individual to work in an exciting and highly collaborative environment. The position is offered on a fixed-term contract of 1 year with a starting salary within the range of £24,654 to £30,673 per annum inclusive based upon relevance of skills and experience.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Anguraj Sadanandam (anguraj.sadanandam@icr.ac.uk). Please DO NOT send your application to Dr. Sadanandam, formal applications must be submitted online.